Vehicle Description
There's a definite appeal to the back-to-basics hot rods
affectionately known as "rat rods." While enthusiasts aren't
exactly thrilled with that term, they have to love this 1926 Ford
Model T tudor sedan, which embraces the funky sensibilities of the
hobby, including patina, quality engineering, and just plain
irreverence. If you want to avoid tradition and still have a blast
in a cool rod, this is definitely the way to do it.
The tall, boxy Model T sedan kept its original dimensions, sitting
tall on top of a custom frame but still agonizingly low overall.
The patina on the bodywork is either artfully intentional or the
product of 90 years of aging, and either way it's awesome. Some
would say it's ripening on the vine, and with a few traditional
pinstripe flourishes, it certainly nails the rat rod look. Unusual
details are a hallmark of builds like this, and there are plenty
here, ranging from the VW Beetle luggage rack on the roof to the
sliding rear window to the twin diesel-style exhaust pipe flappers
out back. In truth, the body may look rusty but it's only surface
rust with a few patches that are as much a part of the look as they
are functional, and it's even pretty straight, with doors that fit
surprisingly well. The windows are new and tinted for a clean look
and the headlights look brand new, too, but those are probably the
only parts on this whole car that are younger than your
parents.
The interior features a set of custom-made buckets that sit low in
the car for the ultimate cool factor. The wood-rimmed steering
wheel is pure Model T and yes, there are some gauges and switches,
but for the most part, the intention is function over form.
Remarkably, it does have power windows and there's a plug-in
electric fan that works with the tilt-open windshield to act as the
climate control system. The rear seat is gone and the floors are
covered in rubber mats that simulate diamond-plate, and yes, that's
the gas tank perched in the rear seat area (hence the sliding rear
window). But if you look closely, you'll see a lot of thought that
went into the apparent randomness, including new door latches with
safety dead bolts (yeah, industrial), and the driving position is
actually fairly comfortable for something so radical.
In the horsepower department, it doesn't sport anything more
unusual than a 350 cubic inch Chevy V8, but that's why it's
entertaining. The engine isn't the point, it's the look, so it
carries a vintage-looking scoop that's up there in the wind, a set
of grimy valve covers that have fingerprints all over them, and
some artfully aged external components. However, it's all new
inside, including a full roller valvetrain, new Edelbrock
carburetor and intake, and a big aluminum radiator stuffed into the
Model T shell. It also runs a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
with overdrive, so this is a car you can actually drive on the
highway and it works incredibly well. The frame is 2x3 rectangular
tubing that's been aged like the body but not structurally
compromised, and there's a drilled 1940 Ford front axle, Corvair
steering box, and a trick Jaguar independent rear end with inboard
disc brakes. See what we mean about cool engineering? It runs and
drives great, tracks straight, and actually rides well on those
tall wide whitewall radials that give it an awesome rake.
Sorry purists, but these cars are here to stay and if you take the
time to get to know them, you'll find that they're every bit as
cool, drivable, and fun as the high-end pro-built rods. Call
today!
